Dashing through the snow doesn’t have to involve horses or even a sleigh when you have a powerful snowmobile carrying you to a frozen playground.

Snowmobiles allow you to fly up the trail and climb mountains on roads and trails that might knock your teeth loose in the summer. For those looking for an exhilarating winter sport, this is it.

Jon Seaman, member of the Great Falls Snowmobile Club, has been a snowmobiler since 1990, and enjoys riding locally, as well as throughout Montana. And it’s a big reason he is happy to see the snow arrive.

“It’s something you have to experience, and once you do, it’s pretty hard to break the habit,” he said.

Snowmobilers dress for harsh conditions, so even though they’re traveling at a brisk pace, they remain warm. And with heated seats and grips available, even the most cold-blooded sort can be comfortable on the sled.

When the snow blankets the ground, and the dedicated groomers are finished smoothing out the 300 miles of trails just in the Little Belts as they do throughout the winter, it’s time to experience one of the best activities in Montana.

“We’ve always had such good snow here,” said Seaman. “And the Little Belts are good because they’re pro-motorized.”

He said members of the Kings Hill Grooming Association, which is operated by the Great Falls Snowmobile Club and the Meagher County Little Belters, are on the groomer four nights a week to keep the trails smooth and accessible to a variety of machines. And with the new snow groomer they obtained in 2015, they are able to keep the trails in good shape for snowmobilers, as well as those who enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

From tearing down a trail to climbing into the high country where you feel as if you are on top of the glittering world adorned in its finest whites, there is a lot to like about snowmobiling.

Seaman enjoys the solitude and bright blue skies that are even more brilliant against the white landscape, just as much as being out with friends.

“You go out and maybe have a campfire and make hotdogs,” he said.

Seaman also notes that snowmobiling is a sport for all ages.

“Anybody can do it,” he said. “We ride with people who are 80 years old.”

Kids are just as enthusiastic about the hobby, and Seaman believes with seeing more children riding with their parents, the sport will continue in popularity.

Fortunately, for those who wish to learn more about the snowmobiling, there are plenty of people who are willing to show them the proverbial ropes, including being aware of avalanche danger and teaching snowmobile safety.

Seaman said, “The Great Falls Snowmobile Club sponsors three guided rides a year where we take new people out.” This offers an excellent opportunity for recreationists to learn the trails and meet people with common interests.

Plus club members are always happy to share advice and connect with new snowmobilers. Seaman said anyone interested in snowmobiling can contact the club at great-falls-snowmobile.org, or through their Facebook page.

“It’s a sport for everybody,” he said, and those who love it are more than willing to share their enthusiasm with others.